First let's talk about the PT test. PT stands for prothrombin time. It is a measure of how quickly blood clots. The traditional method for performing a PT test is to have your blood drawn and sent to a lab.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom at the lab, a substance called a reagent is added to your blood. The reagent causes the blood to begin clotting. The PT result is the time in seconds that is required for the blood to clot.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

There are a variety of reagents that can be used when a PT test is performed. Since each of these reagents works a bit differently, a PT result obtained with one reagent cannot be compared to a PT result obtained with another reagent.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom to account for the different reagents, the result of a PT test must be converted into standard units that can be compared regardless of the reagent used.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom these standard units are known as INR units.

There are a few things worth mentioning about the INR. First, an individual whose blood clots normally and who is not on anticoagulation should have an INR of approximately 1.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the higher your INR is, the longer it takes your blood to clot. In other words, as the INR increases above a given level, the risk of bleeding and bleeding-related events increases.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom on the other hand, as the INR decreases below a given level, the risk of clotting events increases.

The ideal target INR range will vary from person to person depending on a variety of factors such as the reason for taking anticoagulants, other medical conditions, and a number of other issues.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom your anticoagulation clinician will determine the appropriate INR range for you. The most common INR target range for someone on warfarin is somewhere between 2.0 and 4.0.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom inrs of 5 or more typically are avoided because the risk of bleeding increases significantly at inrs above 5.

Once your clinician has established an appropriate target INR range for you, he/she will adjust your anticoagulation therapy to keep your INR in the target range.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom if your INR rises above the high-end of your range, your risk of bleeding and bleeding related events may start to increase. If your INR falls below the low-end of your target range, your risk of forming a blood clot may increase.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Numerous factors can affect your INR, so it is important that you keep your clinician up-to-date on any changes in your life. For example, you should notify your clinician before starting new prescription or non-prescription drugs, including herbal remedies.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom also, you should notify your clinician of changes in your diet, exercise regimen, alcohol use, tobacco use, etc. Good communication with your clinician will help you keep your anticoagulation therapy on track.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom for more information about oral anticoagulation therapy, please review the about warfarin section of our website.

To use this device, you prick your finger and provide a drop of blood on a test strip.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the test strip is fed into the device, and the device reports the INR. These devices typically are easy to use and report accurate results. Additionally, if an INR result is surprising, another test can be run immediately to either confirm or refute the result.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

These devices are often used in clinic settings to obtain INR results. Additionally, these devices can be used for home-testing by the patient.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom recently, medicare approved coverage for patient self testing for mechanical heart valve patients who meet several other criteria. If you would like to know more about patient self testing, please review the patient self testing section of clotcare.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom